Other safety alerts
|
| |
| Canada: Health Canada warns consumers not to inhale nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, recreationally |
| |
Health Canada is warning consumers about the serious health risks, including death, of inhaling nitrous oxide products, also known as laughing gas and by various street names, such as "whippets," "hippy crack," "NOS" and "nang," for recreational purposes.
In Canada, nitrous oxide sold for inhalation is a drug and can only be administered by an authorized health care professional for legitimate and safe uses, such as in medical and dental procedures for sedation and pain relief. It is also in cream dispensers and other food tools where it is not meant to be inhaled.
When inhaled—or "huffed"—nitrous oxide can cause euphoria and relaxation. It can also cause serious adverse effects such as:
• loss of consciousness and in some cases, death
• birth defects
• anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency
• impaired bowel and bladder function
• confusion, agitation, delusions, hallucinations, paranoia and depression
• increased heart rate, palpitations, low blood pressure, heart attack and stroke
• lack of oxygen in the body (asphyxia), blood clots in the extremities and in the lungs, and air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall (pneumothorax)
• tingling, numbness and weakness of the limbs and extremities (fingers and toes), uncoordinated walking and falls
• nerve damage, spinal cord degeneration, prolonged pain and, in severe cases, permanent paralysis
Repeated use increases the likelihood of severe outcomes and may result in lasting neurological damage, even after stopping use. Regular use can also lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
Please refer to the following website in Health Canada for details:
http://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/health-canada-warns-consumers-not-inhale-nitrous-oxide-also-known-laughing-gas
In Hong Kong, there is no registered pharmaceutical product containing nitrous oxide. The Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong has endorsed to regulate medical gases as pharmaceutical products under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138). The new regulatory control will come into effect on 14 June 2026.
Ends/ Saturday, Jun 7, 2025
Issued at HKT 15:30
|
| |
